sometimes

1 of 2

adverb

some·​times ˈsəm-ˌtīmz 

also (ˌ)səm-ˈtīmz

: at times : now and then : occasionally

sometimes

2 of 2

adjective

: sometime

Synonyms of sometimes

Adverb

• occasionally
• now

Examples of sometimes in a Sentence

Adverb

His jokes are funny, but sometimes he goes too far.

Sometimes I take the bus to work.

We all make mistakes sometimes.

She works nine hours a day, sometimes more than that.

The word is sometimes used figuratively.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The zaobanchu during Qianlong’s reign comprised nearly one thousand artisans, who worked out of fear to serve the demands of the insatiable emperor who would sometimes dole out severe punishments, like taking away a year’s salary. — Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

In practice, however, most inmates are left on tenterhooks in solitary confinement for years — and sometimes decades — with sometimes severe consequences for their mental health. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Sometimes students are grouped together based on skill level, and sometimes based on their interests, Lopez said. — Lee V. Gaines, chicagotribune.com, 30 June 2017

Sometimes disruption takes the form of alerting a person who is targeted for recruitment or influence by the foreign power. — Monique Judge, The Root, 8 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sometimes

• betimes
• enzymes
• lifetimes
• mealtimes
• ofttimes
• oximes
• pastimes
• sublimes
• chimes
• climbs
• climes
• crimes

Kids Definition

sometimes

adverb

some·​times

ˈsəm-ˌtīmz, 

(ˌ)səm-ˈtīmz

: at times : now and then : occasionally

speaks sometimes very fast